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Cephalotes atratus - Giant Gliding Ant
Panama

photograph © Alex Wild 2007

One of the most heavily-armored ants is Cephalotes, whose thick integument and sharp spines deter predators and attacks by ant competitors.  The antennae can be fully retracted back into special scrobes above the eyes.

 
Panamá: Canal Zone. Gamboa.
9.1177ºN 79.6959ºW 50m
vii.2007 Secondary forest edge.

This image is copyrighted by the photographer and cannot be used without permission. To obtain permission to use this image, please email Alex Wild. (alwild (at) myrmecos.net).  Most of the photographs on myrmecos.net are reduced from their original size and compressed for more efficient web transmission.  In some cases, higher quality versions are available.

This image was captured with a Canon EOS 20D, using a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens.